Illegal Dumping

Open dumping is the improper and illegal disposal of regulated sold waste at an unpermitted solid waste site.

Are you breaking the law?

Indiana Regulation 329 IAC 10-4-2: "No person shall cause or allow the storage, containment, processing, or disposal of solid waste in a manner which creates a threat to human health or the environment, including the creating of a fire hazard, vector attraction, air or water pollution, or other contamination."

What is proper disposal?

Regulated solid waste can only be discarded at a state permitted solid waste land disposal facility, state permitted transfer station, state permitted incinerator, or recycling facility. Most communities are served by a private or municipal waste hauling service.

Can you afford to break the law?

If you illegally dispose of solid waste, state law provides that you can be fined up to $2,500.00 per day per violation. Please note that this does not include any fines or penalties that local and federal agencies, may assess against you.

What activities are not prohibited?

The following solid waste items are commonly excluded from solid waste regulation and are not therefore required to be disposed of in a permitted disposal site:

List of Prohibited Wastes

Household building debris

Construction and demolition waste

Household garbage

Appliances

Furniture

Tires

Plastic

Cardboard

Hazardous waste

Also see additional solid waste items that are prohibited from an illegal dumpsite in 329 IAC 10-2.5.1 (b) - (64). If you are dumping or burning the above referenced materials, you ARE breaking the law.

Illegal Dumping (BCC Ord. 1993-24, passed 6-28-93)

For some reason some people believe that throwing trash, tires and appliances along roadsides and into waterways is a cheap way to discard their waste. Actually, this is the most expensive method of disposal. You, the taxpayer, end-up paying to clean someone else's mess. Please report illegal dumping act to this office and/or the Howard County Sheriff.

Try to get evidence such as: pictures, license plate numbers, even video of the act in progress if possible. Successful prosecution of an illegal dumping act not only saves tax dollars and keep Howard County beautiful, but it could also net you with a $2500.00 reward.

If you wish to report and illegal dumsite or if you would like to report an illegal dumper please go to Indiana Illegal Dumpsite or contact us at (765) 456-2274.